A fine Second World War North-West Europe operations M.M. awarded to Private C. H. Pearson, Highland Light Infantry, who ‘left his slit trench and charged forward to engage the enemy at point blank range’ at Wittorf in April 1945, killing one instantly and putting the remainder to flight

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (6470266 Pte. C. H. Pearson, H.L.I.), in its box of issue, with outer forwarding box and registered envelope, surname officially corrected, extremely fine £1800-2200

M.M. London Gazette 2 August 1945. The original recommendation for an immediate award - approved by Montgomery - states:

‘During an action in the wooded area North of Wittorf on 21 April 1945, the Company to which Private Pearson belonged was counter-attacked while in very close country. In the thick woods the enemy succeeded in infiltrating amongst the forward plans and a difficult situation was developing. Despite the heavy small arms fire Private Pearson acting entirely on his own initiative, left his slit trench and charged forward to engage the enemy at point blank range. He killed one instantly and by the fierceness of his own attack put the others to flight. His daring example so inspired the other members of his platoon that the enemy were forced to withdraw thus saving a situation which might have been serious.

His gallantry and initiative in the face of the enemy were outstanding, and far beyond the demands of his duty.’

Charles Henry Pearson was serving in the 1st Battalion, Highland Light Infantry at the time of the above cited deeds.

Sold with original Buckingham Palace M.M. forwarding letter, a congratulatory message from the C.O., 1st Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, dated at Solingen, 16 July 1945, and two wartime photographs.